where to eat in BGC – Jellybeans in the City

Max’s Restaurant reopens in Forbes Town: A must-try destination for BGC Denizens

Max’s Restaurant, the home of the famous Sarap-to-the-Bones® Fried Chicken, recently reopened its Forbes Town branch in Bonifacio Global City (BGC). The iconic Filipino restaurant chain well-loved for its delicious food and excellent service, is now ready to provide those residing or working in BGC the perfect place to visit for a satisfying meal any time of the day.

Max’s Restaurant: A Proud Filipino Tradition

Max’s Restaurant started in 1945 thanks to Maximo Gimenez, who opened his home together with his niece, Ruby, serving the now-famous Sarap-To-The-Bones® Fried Chicken. Since then, Max’s Restaurant has established itself as a household name, an institution, and a proud Filipino tradition.

Start Your Day with Max’s Restaurant

Max’s Restaurant Forbes Town is now open for breakfast, offering an extensive selection of sumptuous meals, baked products, and coffee. The branch recently collaborated with local coffee brand, Yardstick, to offer its special Max’s Medium Roast Blend. Customers can choose from a range of specialty coffee drinks, including Double Espresso, Cappuccino, Americano, Mocha, Spanish Latte, or the Classic Iced/Hot Latte. Pair your coffee with Max’s Corner Bakery’s Pandesal for a great start to your day.

Al Fresco Dining Area for Nature Lovers

Max’s Restaurant has also built a new al fresco pet-friendly dining area for those who prefer to dine outside. The breezy outdoor space gives a casual vibe and is best enjoyed during the summer months or days with favorable weather. It’s an excellent spot for nature lovers who want to enjoy their meals while taking in the beautiful scenery.

For the Busy Bees: Take-Out Nook

Max’s Restaurant has created a take-out nook for those on the go. Located beside the entrance door, this take-out nook offers a more convenient way to place orders and grab meals when in a rush. Whether you’re a resident or an office worker in BGC, Max’s Restaurant has got you covered.

Enjoy Filipino food favorites

One of the reasons why Max’s Restaurant has become an institution in the Philippines is because of its classic Filipino dishes. The most popular dish is, of course, its Sarap-To-The-Bones® Fried Chicken, which has crispy skin and juicy meat that Filipinos have come to love. This dish is best enjoyed with a side of sweet potato fries and banana ketchup.

For those who want a taste of different Filipino flavors, Max’s also offers a variety of classic dishes such as Lumpia (spring rolls), Chicken Sisig (a sizzling dish made with minced chicken, onions, and chili peppers), and Crispy Pata (deep-fried pork knuckles). These dishes are perfect for sharing with friends and family, especially when paired with Garlic Fried Rice.

For those who are looking for a vegetarian option, Max’s Restaurant also offers a variety of dishes such as Sizzling Tofu, which is a sizzling dish made with soft tofu, onions, and bell peppers. Lastly, Buko Pandan, a sweet dessert made with young coconut and pandan-flavored gelatin, provides a sweet cap to the meal.

The Perfect Venue for Functions and Events

Max’s Restaurant has always been a go-to place for catering to functions and events. At the second floor of Max’s Forbes Town, you’ll find newly renovated sound-proof function rooms that can accommodate company meetings, birthday parties, baptisms, and other events. Max’s Restaurant provides excellent service and high-quality food, making it the perfect venue for any occasion.

Visit Max’s Restaurant in Forbes Town

Max’s Restaurant in Forbes Town is located at 26th Street corner Forbes Town Road, Forbes Town Center, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, open daily from 7am to 11pm. Come and enjoy the delicious food, excellent service, and welcoming ambiance of Max’s Restaurant.

For more information, visit the official Facebook page @MaxsRestaurant or call +63 2 88461652.

Disclosure: I attended a food tasting event held at this restaurant. Food items featured here were served at no cost to the attendees.

Check out my previous posts about Max’s Restaurant:

Sarap-to-the-Bones Fried Chicken at Max’s, Tomas Morato

Pinoy-style fried chicken delivery from Max’s Chicken

Nostalgia and comfort over Filipino food at Lorenzo’s Way, BGC

We Pinoys have a special relationship with our homegrown food.

No matter the number of new cuisines we are exposed to, we almost always go back to Filipino food, whether these come in the form of heritage recipes that we grow up with or more exotic viands from various regions.

When I recently attended an event in Boni High Street, I was pleasantly surprised when we were served lunch at Lorenzo’s Way, an upscale Filipino food restaurant in the area.

Lorenzo’s Way is the namesake of Larry J. Cruz (“LJC”), the founder of the LJC Group of Restaurants, which also includes popular and beloved concepts such as Café Adriatico, Cafe Adriatico Express, Abe, Café Havana, Bistro Remedios, Fely J’s Kitchen, Larry’s Café and Bar, Polka Dot Bakeshop, Abe’s Farm and The LJC Catering Service.

This particular restaurant’s menu serves as the greatest hits list of winning dishes from other LJC restaurants. This includes delicious dishes that bring a mixture of comfort and nostalgia as only Pinoy food can, such as:

Beef Salpicao (Php590). Tender morsels of beef sauteed in garlic and olive oil.

Crispy Baby Squid (Php310). Baby squid coated in light batter and fried crisp as popularized by Bistro Remedios.

Spanish Garlic Chicken (Php445). Boned chicken baked with garlic cloves and olive oil.

Binukadkad na Pla-Pla (Php495). Butterflied giant tilapia fish served with balo-balo (Kapampangan fermented rice) and fresh mustard leaves, a Bistro Remedios original.

KKK (Php725). Bistro Burgos’ highly celebrated take on the classic Kare-Kare made with a chopped oxtail neatly surrounded by the dish’s vegetables and doused in the rich and nutty sauce. This dish spawned the Kare-Kare Klub of journalists, bankers and PR practitioners who used to meet every Thursday at Bistro Burgos to catch up as they savored this dish.

Sikreto ni Maria Clara (Php225). Sweet sticky rice and ripe mango slices and topped with coconut ice cream.

In keeping with the family-style way of serving Pinoy meals, my fellow attendees and I shared multiple generous orders of these dishes among ourselves, chatting with each other while eating our fill.

Fresh fruit shakes also round out our meal.

So if you feel like sinking your teeth into the delicious comfort and nostalgia of Filipino cuisine, be sure to head to Lorenzo’s Way.

This Lorenzo’s Way branch is located at 2nd Level, C2 Building, Bonifacio High Street Central, 7th Avenue, Taguig City, open for dine-in, takeout and delivery Sundays to Thursdays from 11am to 9pm and Fridays to Saturdays from 11am to 10pm. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 76213163, +63 2 76213164 or +63 917 5284206.

Another branch is located at Ground Floor, Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center, Makati City. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 77290013 or +63 917 5522733.

Know more about its menu and offers by following Lorenzo’s Way on Facebook and Instagram.

Playful takes on Japanese cuisine at Saigosan, Uptown Mall BGC

Just when you thought that you’ve seen all there is to see when it comes to Japanese food, here comes Saigosan, all ready to set the local foodie scene on its ear.

This recently opened izakaya-style restaurant in Uptown Mall BGC is geared to take its diners on a fun food trip across Japanese pop culture with the enticement of delicious comfort food and classic dishes.

The latest venture of the restaurant group that manages The Red Crab Alimango House, Blackbeard’s Seafood Island and Pier at Clawdaddy’s, Saigosan offers a uniquely colorful dining experience situated between an exciting commuter train ride and a comforting stay at a ramen shop.

Here, Nobu-trained Chef Chris Oronse and his team whip up playful and creative takes on familiar Japanese food that will surely tickle the fancy of young and young-at-heart foodies with a predilection for Japanese pop culture. These include:

Classic Gyoza (₱225). The all-time favorite pan-fried Japanese potsticker filled with ground pork, cabbage, aromatics and seasonings, served with a soy sauce and vinegar-based dipping sauce.

Mini Volcano (₱280). Saigosan puts a fun twist on the classic California maki roll, thanks to its topping of chopped kani (crab sticks) and bonito flakes.

Chicken Katsudon (₱345). Tender strip of breaded chicken served with egg chahan (Japanese fried rice) and your choice between Domi and Curry sauce.

Chasu Bacon Breakfast Ramen (₱499). Breakfast favorites such as bacon slices and fried egg served on top of firm ramen noodles in a rich pork soup.

Chirashi Don (₱525). A variety of sashimi such as fresh salmon, tuna, tanigue, ikura (salmon roe) and tamago (rolled omelette) artfully served on a platter with a bowl of rice on the side.

So if you want to experience your favorite Japanese food in a fresh, fun and colorful way, then get on board for a delicious ride at Saigosan.

Saigosan is located at 3rd Floor, Uptown Mall, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, open from 10am to 10pm. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 915 8126855 or email saigosan.bgc@gmail.com.

To stay updated on its promos and offers, follow Saigosan on Facebook and Instagram.

Lunch at Japanese-Peruvian fusion restaurant Nikkei Robata, BGC

Did you know that Japanese culinary traditions have a strong influence on Peruvian food?

As it has the second largest ethnic Japanese population in South America, brought about by Japanese immigration starting in the late 19th century, it is hardly surprising that Peruvian cuisine would feature more than just a few Japanese touches.

Hokkaido’s robotayaki (the method of charcoal-grilling meat, seafood and other ingredients to imbue them with a delicious flavor and smoky aroma) makes its influence felt in Peruvian cuisine in the recently opened Nikkei Robata branch in Uptown, Bonifacio Global City.

Whether enjoying the hustle-and-bustle of the street in its al fresco area or relaxing in its well-appointed interiors, foodies can look forward to expertly grilled top-quality meats and seafood that makes for a deliciously satisfying meal.

During our errand day in BGC, my daughter #ExhibitA and I decided to have lunch at Nikkei Robata, where we enjoyed:

Chips (Complimentary). Crispy potato chips served with a tangy cream dip.

Unagi Nigiri (₱250). Two pieces of grilled sliver of eel doused in teriyaki sauce served on top of sushi rice.

Panko (₱395/5pcs | ₱680/10pcs). Panko-covered slices of salmon, kampyo, truffled cream cheese, shiitake, cucumber and onion leeks all rolled together and served with salad sauce.

Salmon Risotto (₱680). Main dish composed of grilled salmon belly served on top of risotto with shimeji, shiitake and enoki mushrooms, as well as asparagus, then doused with spicy and cheesy huancaina sauce and sprinkled with parmesan.

Specialty Drinks (₱180 each). Sometimes, the adventure of our day comes in the form of an unusual drink that accompanies our meal. While these (thankfully!) do not contain alcohol, they added a refreshing aspect to our lunch.

Dining here might be a bit pricey but, from its upscale yet comfy surroundings to its unique menu of Japanese-Peruvian dishes, Nikkei Robata certainly promises a gastronomic adventure!

Check it out for yourself!

This Nikkei Robata branch is located at Ground Floor, Uptown Ritz, 36th corner 8th Avenue, Uptown Bonifacio, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, open Sundays to Thursdays from 11am to 10pm and Fridays to Saturdays from 11am to 11pm. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 975 0870428.

Another branch is located at Second Floor, Newport Mall Garden Wing, Newport World Resorts, Newport City, Pasay City. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 945 5511898.

For more details about Nikkei Robata, visit its website or follow it on Facebook and Instagram.

From Samosas to Lassis: A Culinary Journey at Swaadisht Manila, Uptown Mall BGC

Swaadisht is a Hindi word that means “delicious” or “tasty.” The term is often used to describe the flavors and spices of Indian cuisine. Indian cuisine is known for its wide range of flavors, aromas, and textures, and is heavily influenced by regional variations, religious and cultural practices, and historical events. Swaadisht is an important aspect of Indian cuisine, and is a reflection of the country’s diverse culinary traditions.

India has a rich culinary history that dates back thousands of years. The country’s cuisine has been shaped by a variety of factors, including religion, culture, geography, and climate. The cuisine of each region of India is unique, and features a diverse range of ingredients and flavors. Some of the most popular ingredients in Indian cuisine include rice, lentils, vegetables, spices, and herbs.

If you want to explore the flavorsome possibilities of swaadisht, then head on to the Indian restaurant aptly named Swaadisht Manila and feast on these must-try dishes:

Vegetable Samosa (Php207). These crispy and savory triangular-shaped pastries are filled with a delicious mixture of spiced potatoes, peas, and onions. Served with tamarind and mint chutneys, they make for a perfect appetizer or snack.

Paneer Lababdar (Php537). A vegetarian delight, paneer lababdar is a popular Indian dish made with cottage cheese cooked in a rich and creamy tomato-based gravy. Served with plain naan or rice, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings for comfort food.

Plain Naan (Php163). A staple in Indian cuisine, naan is a type of flatbread that is cooked in a tandoor oven. At Swaadisht Manila, you can enjoy freshly baked naan that is soft, fluffy, and perfectly complements any dish.

Chicken Biryani (Php581). A fragrant and flavorful rice dish made with long-grain basmati rice, succulent chicken, and a blend of aromatic spices, this dish is a perfect example of the rich and diverse flavors of Indian cuisine.

Mango Lassi (Php196). This sweet and refreshing drink is made with ripe mangoes, yogurt, and a touch of sugar. It’s a perfect beverage to cool down your palate after enjoying some spicy Indian cuisine.

Swaadisht Manila serves authentic Indian cuisine, known for its rich blend of spices and unique flavors, that is sure to tantalize your taste buds, taking you on a gastronomic journey to the diverse culinary traditions of India from classic vegetarian and non-vegetarian curries, biryanis, tandoori items, and bread to unique appetizers and desserts. The restaurant takes pride in using fresh and high-quality ingredients to ensure that every dish is flavorful, healthy, and delicious.

This Swaadisht Manila branch is located at Third Floor, Uptown Mall, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, open daily for dine-in, takeout and delivery from 11am to 10pm. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 79431373 or +63 926 6529598.

Another branch is located at Citywalk 1, Eastwood City, Bagumbayan, Quezon City (Tel: +63 2 85184405 or +63 995 5552485).

Stay updated on its menu and offers by following Swaadisht Manila on Facebook and Instagram.

Authentic Indian cuisine at New Bombay, BGC

Considering that Indian cuisine has always been cited as one of the most delicious in the world, it is a wonder that it is not listed among my favorites.

I would probably blame it on a particularly spicy curry dish which was served to me when I was young, which then turned me off the entire culinary tradition for quite some time.

Articles from various food mavens attribute the appeal of Indian cuisine to its healthy ingredients (lots of vegetarian dishes!), its use of a wide array of fresh spices and its practice of combining contrasting flavors in its dishes.

Well, Hubby is an Indian food fan, who for over fifteen years marriage, has been largely unsuccessful in converting me to Indian food.

Until recently, that is.

While we were running some arounds around Bonifacio Global City, Hubby took the opportunity to introduce my daughter #ExhibitA and I to Indian cuisine at New Bombay.

Here, we enjoyed a flavorful lunch which consisted of:

Vegetable Kadai (Php355). Delicately spiced North Indian dish made of assorted vegetables cooked in a red gravy using the Indian equivalent of the wok, called the kadai, from which the dish gets its name.

Butter Naan (Php95). A butter-infused yeast-leavened white flour bread baked in a clay oven called tandoor.

Chef’s Special – Mutton Dry (Php395). Mutton sauteed in various Indian spices and served dry with a special desi gravy on the side. I paired this with the butter naan by wrapping mutton morsels in pieces I tore off the naan.

Chicken Biryani (Php395). Delicious Indian rice dish made with basmati rice layered with chicken pieces and spices then steamed together to produce an aromatic and flavorful viand with a subtle heat.

Lassi (Php125). Sweet blended drink made with fruit, yogurt and spices.

Since we were able to request the kitchen to set the spiciness of the dishes to very mild, we were able to enjoy their exotic flavors and the slight tickling sensation of heat in palates.

Now, I wouldn’t mind trying out more of Indian cuisine in my future foodie adventures.

This New Bombay branch is located at the Second Floor, Crossroads Building, corner 32nd and 7th Avenues, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig (beside MC Home Depot). For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 82451609, +63 939 1142481 or +63 916 2291470.

Other branches are located at:

Ground Floor, Sagittarius Building, HV Dela Costa Street, Salcedo Village, Makati City (Tel: +63 2 88192892 | +63 2 88043788 | +63 939 1197794 | +63 906 2711300)
Ground Floor, Glorietta 3 Ayala Center, Makati City (Tel: +63 2 89868622 | + 63 916 2291445)
Fifth Floor, The Podium Mall, 12 ADB Avenue, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City (Tel: 63 2 86374367 | +63 939 1108623 | +63 916 2291445)

World-class dining at Wildflour Cafe, Uptown BGC

I realized that I’ve been working quite hard for the past year.

Despite the convenience of working from home, I’ve been attending lots of meetings, preparing reports, overseeing projects and so on.

With all the job-related stresses I go through each day, it’s only right to treat myself to something posh and delicious, right?

Well, treat myself, I did, at two different occasions at Wildflour Cafe in Uptown, BGC.

Wildflour has been a popular brunch and bistro cafe since 2012, known for its creative menu that incorporates influences from the world’s best cuisines and makes use of ingredients sourced the best organic and local markets.

Its branches also have their own in-house bakery that supplies them with a wide assortment of freshly baked and premium-quality breads, pastries and cakes.

Saturday lunch with my daughter

On a Saturday after a particularly busy workweek for me (and during my daughter #ExhibitA’s lunchbreak from her work which, as luck would have it, sometimes requires her to work on weekends, we decided to have our midday repast at the Wildflour Cafe branch in Uptown, BGC.

During our lunch break escapade, #ExhibitA and I indulged ourselves with Wildflour’s continental dishes such as:

Beef Bourguignon (Php995).

Tender, chunk of beef slowly stewed in red wine sauce with mushrooms and served on a bed of pureed pumpkin.

Goat Cheese Ravioli (Php565).

Ravioli filled with buttery and tart goat cheese tossed in a tomato-sauce infused with basil harvested from Wildflour’s own garden.

Tres Leches (Php320).

Chiffon cake doused in dulce de leche and vanilla kappa and topped with fresh berries.

Partner these culinary creations with Wildflour’s relaxing and rustic old-world ambiance as well as its gracious and hospitable service, then you have a truly world-class dining experience.

Sunday brunch with former co-workers

A few weeks later, I met up with my former officemates to catch up and reminisce over brunch at the al fresco area of this same cafe.

Here, we broke our fast with breakfast bowls such as:

Beef Tapa (Php595).

Tender strips of pan-fried marinated beef on top of garlic fried rice and served with fried eggs and atchara.

Adobo Fried Rice (Php630).

Pork belly braised in garlic, vinegar and soy sauce served with fried egg and pickled chilis on Dalisay rice.

Bacon Fried Rice (Php625).

Thick slabs of bacon steak served with fried egg on top of fried rice.

Now, not all of us enjoy rice for our first meal of the day so some went to sandwiches and pastries from Wildflour’s bakery, which include:

Salmon Avocado Toast (Php595).

Slivers of smoked salmon and mashed avocado topped with cucumber slices, tomato, olives and dill on butter toasted bread.

Corned Beef Hand Pie (Php135).

A flaky turnover pastry filled with savory corned beef.

Hazelnut Cronut (Php170).

The variant of Wildflour’s flaky croissant-donut hybrid topped with dark chocolate swirl and chopped hazelnuts.

And what would brunch be without drinks?

Caffeine freaks went for handmade hot coffee variants while I cooled down with an Avocado milkshake.

Whether indoors or al fresco, Wildflour Cafe does fit the bill for up-leveled dining. And what better way to reward myself than to splurge on world-class eats, right?

This Wildflour Cafe branch is located at the Ground Floor, Uptown Ritz Residences, 9th Ave Corner, 36th Street, Taguig City. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 83653872 or +63 917 6367957.

Other branches are located at:

Ground Floor, Six/Neo, 4th Avenue corner 26th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. (Tel: +63 2 88567600 | +63 917 8520950 | +63 917 6249006)
Ground Floor, V Corporate Center, Salcedo Village, Ground Floor, 125 L.P. Leviste Street, Makati (Tel: +63 2 88087072 | +63 917 3285915)
Ground Floor, O-Square Wilson St corner, Ortigas Ave, Greenhills Shopping Center, San Juan (+63 2 87753543 | +63 917 6279679)
Ground Floor, 8 Rockwell Center, Plaza Drive, Poblacion, Makati City (Tel: +63 2 88505503 | +63 917 7053329)
Ground Floor, The Podium, 18 ADB Ave, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong (Tel: +63 2 85718588 | +63 917 6289572)
Ground Floor, Frabelle Business Center 111, Rada, Legazpi Village, Makati (+63 2 88339799 | +63 917 5645748)
Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center, Esperanza St, Makati (Tel: +63 27 2132363 | +63 917 6303265)

To order for delivery, visit wildflourtogo.com.

Stay updated on Wildflour Cafes promos and offers by following it on Facebook and Instagram.

Teishoku Sets at Tendon Kohaku, Uptown Mall

Food destinations abound in Bonifacio Global City, giving foodies that frequent the area with an exciting array of options for gastronomic adventures.

Uptown Mall, for example, is the site of one such establishment: Tendon Kohaku.

A member of the Mugen Group which also manages other Japanese restaurant brands such as UCC Cafe, Mitsuyado Seimen, MOS Burger and Coco Ichibanya, Tendon Kohaku specializes in tendon, a wordplay on tempura (lightly battered and deep-fried meat, seafood or vegetables) and donburi (“rice bowl”).

Here, Japanese food lovers can look forward to an elevated tempura experience, made possible by four elements:

Fresh Ingredients. Only the freshest ingredients, chosen with professional care according to exacting standards, are used in Tendon Kohaku’s tempura dishes.
Tempura Batter. Tendon Kohaku’s tempura better is using premium-grade flour and employing traditional tempura techniques to produce a coating that is light, crispy and flavorful.
Cooking Technology. The restaurant uses a high blend of sesame and cooking oil applied with a special filtration system that keeps it clean and light for cooking.
Secret Sauce. Tendon Kohaku’s two signature sauces are made in-house using a special blend of spices to create a distinctively sweet-savory flavor. The Sweet sauce is crafted to balance out the saltiness of the tempura while the Spicy sauce does the same with an additional spicy kick.

To give my daughter a change of scene away from her workplace nearby, I decided to treat her to lunch at Tendon Kohaku.

Our meal started with the complementary Japanese tea, available hot and iced.

We opted to get teishoku – Japanese set meals that already include rice, tuna sashimi, tamago rolls and potato salad – quite a complete and nourishing meal that combines interesting flavors and textures.

My order was the Tempura Teishoku (Php590) which consist of various tempura such as Chicken Breast, Wild Tiger Prawns, Squid, Crabstick, Green Beans, Shiitake, Young Corn and Pumpkin accompanied by tempura sauce.

My daughter, on the other hand, opted for the Tonkatsu Teishoku (Php650), which consist of three slices of panko-breaded and deep-fried pork cutlets served with katsu sauce.

With these teishoku, my daughter and I were able to enjoy a filling meal during her lunch break.

Tendon Kohaku is located at the Third Floor, Uptown Mall, 36th Street, Uptown Bonifacio, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, open for dine-in, pick-up, takeout and delivery. For inquiries, reservations and orders, call +63 956 2792961.

Other branches are located at:

4th Level, Japan Town, Ayala Malls Vertis North, North Triangle, Bagong Pag-Asa, Quezon City (Tel: +63 927 5005977)
Ground Floor, Building 7, Forbestown Road, Burgos Circle, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig (Tel: +63 956 2792966)

Tendon Kohaku also delivers via GrabFood, FoodPanda, Pick-A-Roo and Booky.

To know more about Tendon Kohaku, follow it on Facebook and Instagram.

Revenge dining with friends at Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken & Sauce Bar, BGC

Ah yes!

The holiday season is finally here, and it comes in the wake of pandemic panics and crazy quarantines.

After feeling isolated and restricted for almost three years, the metro’s denizens are now beginning to feel some semblance of freedom, particularly when it comes to dining out.

It’s time for some “revenge dining,” wouldn’t you say?

As we step out of our homes and into the outside world, we are rediscovering our appetite for dining out: the hunt for an erstwhile undiscovered location, the thrill of tasting new dishes, and, of course, the sheer fun of sharing these experiences with our friends.

That’s what I did recently at Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken & Sauce Bar in Uptown Parade, BGC. Together with my friend, Tina, who’s home for the holidays from Singapore, I went on a revenge dining spree.

Thanks to Peri-Peri’s Holiday Epic Feast Chicken and Pasta Grupo, Tina and I indulged ourselves on a delicious selection of classic and fresh flavors from this restaurant.

At just Php1,399, this group meal is packed full of dishes that make for a filling meal for up to five persons. Super-sulit, right?

Want to know what you can enjoy with this meal package? Check these out:

One Whole Chicken.

Peri-Peri brings about this famous dish by marinating a whole chicken overnight in a special mixture of peri-peri (bird’s eye) chili, herbs and spices, then charcoal-grilling it to a gloriously golden hue.

This flavorful and juicy grilled chicken dish is best enjoyed with one or a combination of the restaurant’s eight signature sauces representing various gastronomic destinations, ranging from mildly sweet (Cajun Remoulade, Hoisin Sesame and Sweet Soy), medium spiciness (Garlic Brew, Spiced Vinegar and Mesquite BBQ) and hot (Chili Peppa and Harissa Exotica).

Four Side Dishes. The group meal also comes with your choice of four side dishes to accompany the Peri-Peri Chicken and add new flavor dimensions to the meal.

Four Java Rice. The package also comes with the preferred rice dish for grilled or barbecued dishes.

One Pasta to Share. As if the previous inclusions are not gut-bustingly filling enough, the meal also includes a platter of your choice between creamy Pasta Carbonara or savory Chorizo Bolognese.

One Liter Drink. A liter of house-made iced tea or lemonade completes the meal.

While exploring the wonders of Peri-Peri’s delightful dishes, Tina and I were able to catch up on each other’s news. There’s nothing like a good meal to spur good conversation, right?

You, too, can #LetYourFlavorBegin by taking your pals to Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken & Sauce Bar for some flavorful revenge dining.

Happy and delicious eating!

This Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken & Sauce Bar is located at Ground Floor Uptown Parade, Bonifacio Global, Taguig City, open Sundays to Thursdays from 10am to 10pm, Fridays from 10am to 1am and Saturdays from 10am to 11pm.

Other Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken & Sauce Bar outlets are located at:

Las Pinas: Evia Lifestyle Center
Makati: Ayala North Exchange, Greenbelt 3
Mandaluyong: SM Megamall
Manila: Robinsons Place Manila
Marikina: SM City Marikina, Gil Fernando Avenue
Muntinlupa: Alabang Town Center
Paranaque: Ayala Malls Manila Bay
Pasay: Resorts World Manila
Pasig: SM City East Ortigas, Ayala Malls Feliz, Capitol Commons, Robinsons Galleria
Quezon City: Gateway Mall, Robinsons Magnolia, UP Town Center, Trinoma Mall, Banawe, Brittany Square, Eastwood Mall
San Juan: Promenade Greenhills
Taguig: Market! Market BGC, Venice Grand Mall

To enjoy this feast at home, order from Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken’s delivery website or call +63 2 73747374 for Metro Manila orders and +63 917 7747374 for provincial orders.

To know more about Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, browse through its website , or follow it on Facebook and Instagram.

Check out my previous posts on Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken:

Peri Peri Chicken, SM East — Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, SM City East Ortigas

Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Tomas Morato

Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Capitol Commons

Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken & Sauce Bar, Gil Fernando Marikina

Delish family dine-in with Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken’s Hearty Flavor Feast

Holiday Epic Feast for the fam at Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken & Sauce Bar, Eastwood Mall

Merienda meetup at Bench Cafe, BGC

Merienda – or minindal – is a time-honored tradition in this country. A light meal or snack in the afternoon often figures as highlights in our childhood, and carries on to our adulthood in the form of coffee breaks.

During a recent meetup with my OFW friend, Tina, I revisited this childhood experience with classic merienda fare at Bench Cafe in BGC.

Bench Cafe is an offshoot of the top Filipino clothing brand Bench in partnership with restaurant developer Foodee Global Concepts. This restaurant brand centers around its concept of combining traditional and modern takes on Filipino food.

Its flagship store in BGC also provides a posh yet comfortable background in which diners can fully enjoy its Pinoy dishes. Tables and chairs are amply spaced in a spacious floor space brightly lit with both natural light and pendant lighting and tastefully highlighted with wall art.

This well-appointed eatery served as our venue for a long-awaited get-together. Due to quarantine restrictions, Tina was unable to come home to the Philippines for two years so I jumped at the chance to check out Bench Cafe’s OG branch for our meetup.

Our merienda included:

Pancit Guisado (Php259 good for two | Php420 good for four).

A hearty dish of stir-fried noodles mixed with meat, shrimp and vegetables, and topped with pork rind, this dish is usually a highlight for many of my afternoon snack times at home.

Flan B (Php219).

Bench Cafe’s version of the Pinoy classic custard and caramel dessert topped with macapuno, always a sweet and creamy indulgence!

Classic Turon ala Mode (Php55).

A crispy fritter made with banana encased in lumpia wrapper with caramelized sugar topped with ube ice cream, another merienda staple.

Ube Halo Halo (Php99/12oz | Php145/16oz).

A thirst quenching dessert and icy beverage made with coconut shaved ice with garbanzos, caramelized banana, leche flan and nata de coco topped with ube ice cream and rice krispies.

These Pinoy favorites on the table and my dear friend to catch up with made my merienda experience at Bench Cafe so special.

Check it out! Drop by this branch at the second floor of Bench’s flagship store at 9th Avenue corner Lane O Bonifacio High Street, Bonifacio Global Citt, Taguig, open daily from 10am to 7pm.

Other branches are located at: